SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2010
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Diozzi, Mr. Hart, Ms. Harper, Ms. Bellin, Ms. McCrea and Ms. Keenan.
31 Chestnut Street
In continuation of a prior meeting, Laura and William Wrightson submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace rotted side fence with different style and to change the terminus location.
Ms. Guy stated that she received an email withdrawing the fence portion of the application.
60-62 Washington Square South
In continuation of a prior meeting, Hodges Court Real Estate, LLC submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the addition of two decks in the rear of the building on the second floor and the alteration of the window configuration in the first floor sunroom. Present was Lewis Legon. Also present was Peter Pitman, architect.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- Pitman & Wardley drawings of existing and proposed
Mr. Legon stated that they have spoken to prospective brokers, clients and design people. As a result, they still propose to eliminate two windows. The current 5 windows have a negative impact on the inside. He stated that he was open to 2 over 2 or 6 over 6.
Ms. Harper suggested built-ins under the windows.
Mr. Pittman stated that there is approximately 18” under the windows. They need the wall space to accommodate furniture. He stated that they looked at blanking the windows or putting in shutters. He stated after vetting it, they came back full circle to window removal.
Mr. Legon stated that they are withdrawing the deck portion of the application. They will be replacing the chimneys with faux chimneys of which the outward appearance will be in kind.
Mr. Hart stated that the original window configuration reads as a porch and the proposed does not. He noted that the Bowditch house has faux chimneys.
Mr. Legon stated that the foundation appears to be original and that it was likely once an open porch.
Mr. Hart suggested having a framed blank window.
Mr. Pittman stated that there is one across the street with clapboards filling in the window. He stated that it was clearly done to keep the symmetry. He noted that for this property there is no need to balance the other side of the house.
Mr. Hart stated that it is common in Salem to have windows blocked with clapboards inside of it.
Ms. Diozzi stated that she has no problem with having the three windows, but stated she would like to see some defining element.
Mr. Hart suggested keeping the existing frames on the exterior and installing clapboards inside.
Ms. Bellin stated she would like to see a mock up.
Ms. Harper did not feel what is being proposed is subtle.
Mr. Hart stated that it was quite appropriate to keep the 6 over 6. Ms. Diozzi and Ms. Harper were in agreement.
Mr. Pittman was concerned that the filled in window might read as a mistake. He stated that just because it has been historically done, does not mean it fits all situations.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
29 Washington Square
In continuation of a prior meeting, The John Bertram Trust submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to change the design of the fence with the addition of a fence cap. Work has already been undertaken. Paula Lancisi, Director and Peter Pittman were present.
Documents & Exhibits
Mr. Pittman stated that the prior fence had blind posts. The new fence has visible posts. There were complaints that the new fence was poorly crafted, that there were installer advertisements on the fence and that the gate hardware was inappropriate. Advertising signs have since been removed and the posts and railings have been straightened. The fence has not been painted yet and they are proposing to paint the existing crème color on the Bertram House. He stated that the neighborhood is consistent in the use of post and rail systems in one form or another. The gate hardware was installed for extra strength, but they can change them if the Commission requires.
Ms. Harper stated that the left hand post of the gate is higher than the right hand post.
Mr. Pittman stated that the post will need to be cut so they will align.
Ms. Bellin stated that the color will help. She suggested that the hardware also be painted.
Mr. Hart stated that the hardware bothers him and felt it was too rustic. Ms. McCrea was in agreement.
Mr. Hart suggested an ordinary strapped hinge with possible a pintle.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the fence as constructed with the gate hardware to be strapped hinge (to be delegated to Ms. Harper), with fence to painted the trim color of the house, with hardware not to be painted, posts to be of even height. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
188 Derby Street
James and Claire Bailey submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of two stainless steel chimney caps in black. They would like to use the same unit that was approved for 328 Essex Street.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- Catalog cut of chimney cap approved for 328 Essex Street
Ms. Guy stated that read the Certificate of Appropriateness for 328 Essex Street and provided a copy of the catalog cut submitted with that application.
Mr. Bailey stated that the house faces the wharf and the wind comes in really strong which has caused problems with the chimneys. They are having problems with water coming through the third floor ceilings. He stated that he had the flashings checked. He noted that the more water, the more problems with deterioration of the walls.
Ms. Bellin asked if it was just the two chimneys towards the front.
Mr. Bailey replied in the affirmative
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
36 Summer Street
Bonnie and David Henry submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for replacement of door trim and portico in a style keeping with the period of the house and the entrance on the other side of the house and preserves the concept of a portico. The application states that the design incorporates the “rules of order” for Doric/Roman proportions to insure the proper dimensions from the width of the frame and plinths to the height and projection of the portico. The door trim is 7” and the height steps up in 7’ increments. The portico will project out 21”, while the current projects 24”. It will be 21” high from the top of the door. The roof will be copper. The door trim has raised trim with 3/8” beading around the inside. The corbels and the underside of the portico extension are trimmed with 1 ½” band moulding. The upper roof line is framed with crown and scotia moulding projecting 3 5/8”. The plinths project ¼” from the door trim. The trim and portico will
be painted the current trim color of the house. The corbels will be Acanthus Leaf ARC-CB-3-CHE in cherry. The door trim and portico will be Spanish Cedar. The trim moulding will be primed pine or Spanish Cedar. The beading inside the door trim will be Brosco #8570, the band moulding around corbels and underside of portico extensions will be Brosco #8453 and the crown and scotia moulding will be Brosco #8027
Documents & Exhibits
Ms. Henry stated that the house is a duplex and that they own the whole house. They are not looking to replicate the main door, but want it to be somewhat different. This door enters right into a dining room, so they want to maintain a portico/overhang. She provided photographs of various porticos in the district and around town. They tried to get salvaged corbels, but could not find any of good quality.
Mr. Hart noted that the corbel is proposed to be positioned horizontally according to the drawing.
Ms. Harper stated that it is unusual.
Mr. Hart stated that he was disturbed about mounting a classical device horizontally that is supposed to be vertical.
Mr. Henry stated that it is more decorative than supportive.
Ms. Henry stated that she thought it was in keeping with the classical design.
Mr. Hart disagreed. He stated that he felt it was a classical detail that will read as a mistake.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the application as submitted with the condition that the corbel is rotated 90 degrees so it is vertical. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
15 Chestnut Street
Peter Gordon and Karen Hayes submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the chimney cap with a new chimney cap of a different design. The cap will be The Chimney Top available in stainless steel and copper.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- The Chimney Top flyer
Mr. Gordon stated that there are four chimneys and the one in question is on the addition portion of the house. They are having a lot of water problems in the fireplace of the top floor, which has caused a lot of damage. The house inspection shows that the chimney also appears to be moving. The proposed cap is a multi-flue cap that will cover all the flues.
Ms. Harper made a motion to approve the application as submitted for a stainless steel cap. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
126 ½ Federal Street
Mr. Hart left the meeting at this time.
Federal Street Real Estate LLC submitted an application for a Certificate of Non-applicability to reconstruct the front chimney in kind.
Documents & Exhibits
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Mr. Hart rejoined the meeting.
- 316 Essex Street – Letter of Support
Ms. Guy stated that the First Church is looking for a letter of support for their application to the MA Architectural Access Board for a series of variances. Ms. Guy provided a draft letter prepared by Menders, Torrey & Spencer, Inc.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to send the letter of support. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
- 31 Washington Square – Shutters
Ms. Guy stated that the owner of 31 Washington Square has requested removal of the Clerk’s Certificate of Vote on the violation for the removal of shutters, which have now been reinstalled. Ms. Diozzi confirmed via email that the shutters are reinstalled.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to remove the violation. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. McCrea made a motion to approve the minutes of October 20, 2010. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
D. Guidelines – Satellite Dishes and Solar Energy Systems.
The Commission reviewed comments provided by the Renewal Energy Task Force and Ms. Guy’s resulting amendments to the draft. Following additional amendments, Ms. McCrea made a motion to approve the new guidelines. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
There being no further business, Ms. Bellin made a motion to adjourn. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
Clerk of the Commission
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